The New York Times, citing informed sources, reported that U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation last week with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The call reportedly touched on the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders in the United States, despite mounting U.S. military pressure on Venezuela.
According to the sources—who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly—no concrete plans for such a meeting have been confirmed. The call took place late in the week and included Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The conversation occurred just before the U.S. State Department’s designation of Maduro as the leader of a “foreign terrorist organization”—known as the “Cartel de los Soles”—came into effect.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to bolster its military presence in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, U.S. officials insist that the ultimate goal is to oust Maduro, even by force if necessary. The United States has already carried out missile strikes targeting boats it claims were used in smuggling operations.